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Big court win for Wade N. Smith! Sr Magistrate & CoP dragged before court

- Court rules there is sufficient evidence for Judicial Review in favour of Mr Smith
Attorney-at-Law Terence F. Williams has been successful in his request for a Judicial Review (JR) over the alleged illegal search of the home of Comptroller of Customs Wade N. Smith by UK police officers in 2022. Photo: VINO/Facebook/File
Sr Magistrate Tamia N. Richards granted the search warrant after it was applied for by the UK Police Officers, who are heading the investigations against the Customs Boss. Photo: VINO/File
Sr Magistrate Tamia N. Richards granted the search warrant after it was applied for by the UK Police Officers, who are heading the investigations against the Customs Boss. Photo: VINO/File
It is believed that the Customs Chief became a target of the police, after statements he made conflicted with that of Police Commissioner Mark Collins on the ‘boat bar hopping’ scandal. Photo: VINO/File
It is believed that the Customs Chief became a target of the police, after statements he made conflicted with that of Police Commissioner Mark Collins on the ‘boat bar hopping’ scandal. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In a strong ruling handed down on Thursday, June 15, 2023, High Court Judge Sonya Young agreed with Attorney-at-Law Terence F. Williams in his request for a Judicial Review (JR) over the alleged illegal search of the home of Comptroller of Customs Wade N. Smith.

Last year, as part of what many residents continue to describe as a ‘witch-hunt’, Mr Smith's home was searched and many items were taken. He was also sent on Administrative Leave without reason. It is not clear if Mr Smith was home at the time of the search.

Mr Smith, through his high-powered attorney Mr Williams, went to court seeking a Juridical Review (JR) over the process of the search conducted in 2022. The court said there was enough compelling evidence to look at the process and ruled that there should be a JR.

Do we trust the UK Police Officers?

The learned Judge further ruled that all items removed and seized from Mr Smith’s home are to be removed from police custody and placed in the hands of the court until the outcome of the JR. Many legal commentators noted this move is unusual, as it appears the issue of trust of the UK Police Officers could be the reason for such a decision.

Both Senior Magistrate Tamia N. Richards and Police Commissioner Mark Collins had to appear in court before Judge Young, as the respondents since they were the subject of the JR.

The Sr Magistrate granted the search warrant after it was applied for by the UK Police Officers, who are heading the investigations against the Customs Boss.

Witch-Hunt?

It is believed that the Customs Chief became a target of the police, after statements he made conflicted with that of Police Commissioner Collins on the ‘boat bar hopping’ scandal.

Mr Smith had publicly said the boat bar hopping by some members of the police force, who used a small police vessel, was not an official operation as claimed by police head Collins.

Mr Smith further detailed that if there was a police operation at sea, his department would have been involved.

The UK-sponsored Commission of Inquiry in its final report found no corruption under Mr Smith's leadership at the Customs Department. However, some residents claimed they have been the target of UK police officers and media personnel because of being outspoken against double standards and unjust practices in the British Overseas Territory of the VI.

46 Responses to “Big court win for Wade N. Smith! Sr Magistrate & CoP dragged before court”

  • one eye (16/06/2023, 13:39) Like (25) Dislike (13) Reply
    Thing vino them white boys going lock you all up you watch
    • We’re being bullied (16/06/2023, 14:10) Like (13) Dislike (14) Reply
      Don’t forget them fines put on the white owned character companies. How could he do such a thing. He should have relax he self and let them do as they were doing. White is right!
      • Bumble Bee (16/06/2023, 17:05) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
        You guys calm down, Wade still not in the clear this will take some time before the dust settles.
    • Fair Ruling (16/06/2023, 15:03) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
      I think the Judge made a fair ruling. Still dont think Mr. Smith will win his case.. As a matter a fact, I think presently they are figuring out something to Charge Mr. Smith for..Thats how the system works..
      • Really (19/06/2023, 10:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        There is no case, he was just sent on leave with no reason given.
  • Blind Man (16/06/2023, 13:50) Like (20) Dislike (8) Reply
    Tania just like a puppet on a string .As magistrate there must be sufficient cause to justify signing of a search warrant the officers must show reasonable reason or cause for such and you not satisfied you don't sign it.
    • hi (16/06/2023, 18:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Cliven gorge and copper next dirty cops
    • @Blind man.. (16/06/2023, 19:32) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Then Sue the Magistrate...The Police had a signed and and approved document to do their search..The onlh thing I see can be wrong is if the search was done and the accused was not present. If he was present I saw nothing wrong with the search...
  • bvi (16/06/2023, 14:05) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well if the magistrate and c.o.p teamed up in unlawful practices what will happen if they pass the police bill? AYO please keep your eyes open
  • Big Deal (16/06/2023, 14:10) Like (23) Dislike (7) Reply
    the judge approved the petitioner's application for Judicial Review. Not exactly newsworthy.
  • Pump the brakes (16/06/2023, 14:18) Like (26) Dislike (18) Reply
    All I want to know is WHO going stop them??
    Police in paradise vid
    Party with civilians on tax payer fuel and boat
    Wrongful search
    Bullying black cops
    Human trafficking
    And No Consequences of any kind!
    Someone please help us in the BvI
    Someone alert the U.K Guardian
    This has to be the worse Governor in the history of the bvi
    Send help A.S.A.P
  • trouble (16/06/2023, 14:24) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    You could see racism and bad mindedness on he face..jus zoom in on he mouth
    • Need Botox (19/06/2023, 10:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yh Mehson the baaadmindedness suck all the meat out he lips Fr
  • bbc (16/06/2023, 14:28) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
    any update on the trial for the milk man that caused death in that boating incident

    • @bbc (16/06/2023, 19:30) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      He court date coming up just after the chocolate milk boys that killed the tourist at Guana and the other outside old pirates and mermaids VG. Don’t hold your breath meh son.
    • hmf (17/06/2023, 06:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      chocolate bunny capt of FM boat got to be nervous
  • yeah (16/06/2023, 14:56) Like (11) Dislike (17) Reply
    I am so disappointed with senior magistrate, even to her is intimidated by those rejects police from the UK.
    Rankin is not only the worst Governor but also a reject civil servant from the UK who is having a tour with in the OTs.
    Collin COP what to say about this animal, well, nothing worst when you put a bad cop in uniform and know nothing about policing. Reject!!!!
  • (16/06/2023, 15:01) Like (5) Dislike (12) Reply
    Sorry for those who are the target of white supremacy they going bankrupt you all and kill your reputation
  • Issue of Trust (16/06/2023, 16:00) Like (15) Dislike (14) Reply
    You are right, there is an "Issue of Trust" but it is not with the Commissioner, the British Police Officers, or the RVIPF. The issue continues to be with corrupt Government Officials and their friends. Wade Smith and his lawyer are just trying to muddy the waters and win support by blaming the Brits. The truth is the BVI needs the UK at the moment, and the public should support those trying to bring an end to the thieving of Public Money that has plagued this Territory for 20+ years.
  • Virgin Islander (16/06/2023, 16:46) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    Congratulations to you Mr.Smith
  • slave master (16/06/2023, 16:58) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    do you remember the days of slavery(they are back hiding behind the judicial system

    one can conclude only the descendants from the plantation commit crimes in this country

    wake up and live
  • Rubber Duck (16/06/2023, 17:43) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who is government official 1?
    • @ rubber duck (16/06/2023, 21:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      More will likely be revealed when the mother/son duo talks since they’re supposed to be cooperating to prosecute Fahie.

      QTNA: why is that green cloth on the lamppost across from the new Hotel/Inn approaching Huntums Ghut the ONLY cloth left up after the others were removed that Fahie allegedly put up through the Territory??!!!??!!
    • Norris Turnbull (16/06/2023, 23:38) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Your Momma Rubber Dick
  • hey (16/06/2023, 17:49) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who runs the world girls girls
  • asura (16/06/2023, 17:56) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    vino watch out you are on the target list, I warn you!
  • Hmmmm (16/06/2023, 18:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who y'all think Rose was going put in charge of the loads?
  • Sambo (16/06/2023, 21:14) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Former Administrator John Augustus Cockburn Cruikshank (1946-1954); Governor John Rankin , CMG(1921-). The Silent and Greatest generations may remember Long -serving John A. C. Cruiskshank; Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y (Millenials), Gen Z, and Gen Alpha know or should see John Rankin actions. J.A.C Cruikshank v. John Rankin you decide who if any, of the two represented the interest of the BVI or towed the colonialism line? Some people see things happening and act, others see things and cover their eyes and pretend that there are deceiving them and hope they go away, and others again see things, ignore the machinations and then wonder what the hell happened and is happening. The latter is the current scenario in the BVI. Colonialism is extractive, exploitive, exclusionary, unearned and self anointed special privileges and entitlements for the colonialists, racial superiority , etc. Persons of African descent are viewed as inferior likened to field animals, cast as non-competitive solely servile labor force and cast as a permanent under class. Furthermore, they have no rights or power that colonialists should respect and honor. It is even more galling when they get uppity and view and position themselves as equalS. How can that be and tolerated? Consequently, those with the unilateral power , along with sambo accomplices, will use that power and influence to put them in their places. Virgin Islanders better awake from their slumber and agitate advocate for their equal rights and equal treatment as Dolph Faulkner and friends, Noel Lloyd and PAM did and as Anguillians also did to separate/secede from St. Kitts. Virginia Islands have intellectually and socially lazy and seem to be afflicted with the Stockholm Syndrome, and demonstrating a coward attitude and behaviour to struggle and fight for their equal rights. They want progress but want others to struggle to get it for them. Selfish. Frederick Douglass, abolitionist, “if there is no struggle, there is no progress.
    • Truth Serum (17/06/2023, 09:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      John Cruikshank had an 8-year reign and per my grandpa he was a dictator, autocrat, a true colonialist. Further, the book is still being written on Rankin and he it seems is as equally as bad as Cruikshank who supposedly was one of the worst crown reps. There must be law and order, anti-corruption practices and accountability, etc, but when racism is in injected and when the Crown rep behaves like a snake in the grass using disproportionate and unilateral power as weapons against those that disagree with them and do not push their agenda creates a toxic, ungovernable, progress retarding, disrespectful, etc situation for Virgin Islanders, indigenous or not. Some Virgin Islanders bury their heads in the sand like ostriches, hoping that things will fix themselves. Jenny Morris : “If you don’t know your history, you are a like leaf that don’t know it is part of the tree.” Marcus Garvey: “ A people without knowledge of past history, origin and culture is like to a tree without root. “ People, brothers and sisters, rise up and awake from
      the deep , deep slumber. What good is the “ BIGS”
      if you cannot stay home and enjoy it?
      • Curios?? (18/06/2023, 09:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        What is the “ BIGS”? Is it some type of status, condition, etc, that one attains?
        • Truth Serum (18/06/2023, 14:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          Bigs: Big job, big house, big car, big aspirations, high fashion….etc Some of us are impatient and put hat where we cannot reach it or push our head through where our body cannot pass.
    • Frig…. (17/06/2023, 19:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Sambo , you are a frig……You take a tougher line sometimes than I would with no chaser , no warm up l, coarse edge, getting right to the real truths, no half setting, no pu…y footing. Some may even think you got a chip on your shoulder, putting forward the truths. But I have not seen any strong counter facts as yet. The truths some times are uncomfortable and we hope sometimes that could be forgotten and buried. Nevertheless, getting the truth out is healthy and good for the soul.
  • the way it is (16/06/2023, 21:24) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I don’t see any reason for them to go after Vino as you all are implying. In my opinion the only thing Vino is doing is bringing the news to the public as it happens.
  • jah know (16/06/2023, 22:23) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply

    Rankin Collins pam and all them f***** white uk officers need to leave the vi fast

  • @issues of trust (16/06/2023, 23:37) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    You said we need the UK they never did anything of us to help our country and its people to progress or schools our hospital our economy just send money for the prison we the people of the Virgin Islands along with who came here to better their lives built this and you are saying we need them now for a moment like this and they can't even run their affairs in the UK we all know they are not here to help us we know they are here to see what they can take from us this is not the time when they could have fooled us gone are those DAYS
  • JOKER LOOSE ON VINO (17/06/2023, 06:11) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    WRITING AND THEN TURN AROUND AND DOING ALL THRME BLOGGING TO WHAT YOU WROTE IS LUDICROUS VINDICTIVENESS HAS TAKEN OVER WHAT USED TO GMBE YOUR MIND , OR YOUR PRECIOUS WIG HAS BROUGHT OUT THE NERD IN YOU ????
  • El Demonio Negro (17/06/2023, 08:47) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Trust UK officers? You should never ever in life trust WHITE PEOPLE in any position of authority. History and our present has taught and is still teaching this. Tell me I’m wrong.
  • facts (17/06/2023, 11:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Also don't forget the smuggle incident with police boat transporting one of their own.
  • Sad (17/06/2023, 16:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    When any one stands up for their rights many gets upset. Some put the pressure on you because of their position and ego. Only time will tell it has a way of embracing you at the end. Let justice take its rightful place.

    The man pointed out certain things. People got vex and upset sadly putting him in this position. Hopefully the truth will surface.
    • A plan (19/06/2023, 10:15) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      They know he’s innocent and will have to reinstate him very soon. Their reckless practices have deteriorated the customs department drastically which shows his effectiveness as the best commissioner in our history. He enforced laws on those charter companies that really embarrassed them and ultimately cost them money and future business and they had to stop him which was easy because his own easily supported them. SLAVERY MINDS
  • NO PERFECT (19/06/2023, 09:47) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    We might be black, red, yellow, white, we are all Gods children so if we all think that we do not have a higher security think again. H e called us fools for Jesus sees and he never stop watching.
    Try to get rid of each other we dont even remember how we get here we are so lawless

    Peace
  • more money (19/06/2023, 10:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone ever asked how much bvi government pays out annually in lawsuits? Between Myron, wade najan and Carolyn the treasury going be empty. They don’t care because it not going to hurt them. They’ll just go back to their country leaving us in financial hardship because of their lust for power and control. Granted leave for judicial review means the judge cleared the road for civil action if you didn’t know.
  • Drain (20/06/2023, 15:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ more money. Yes let them drain it we are to stupid ego taking over the BVI. Like some don't go to the rest room. I want everyone of them drain the fountain that is flowing with milk and honey.


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